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Stars

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“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” Philippians 2:14-15 (New International Version of the Holy Bible)

This time of year brings out the worst and the best in people. Go shopping on “Black Friday” and you will experience the worst in people arguing over who gets a limited quantity sale item. It’s ridiculous to say the least. There are some people who stir up trouble everywhere they go.

Those of us who have chosen not to complain and argue stand out like stars in the sky. I would much rather shine than be part of this crooked world system. So, if you’ve dreamed of being a star here’s your chance to shine!

Prayer: I thank You, Lord, for allowing me to shine with Your glory. What a difference Your Spirit makes!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Devotions

Calculated Steps

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I helped a blind lady each week for several years and was amazed how she got around in her home. She lived alone and knew how many steps from her bedroom to any room in her home. She had calculated her steps. When in unknown territory whoever was walking beside her would instruct her on steps and whether they are higher than normal or how the doors open. She relied on that person heavily to get where she was going.

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.” (Ephesians 5:15 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

I looked up the word circumspect and found that it meant to look about; careful to consider all related circumstances before acting, judging, deciding; cautious; careful.

Prayer: Lord, I realize more than ever that I need You leading me. As the songwriter put it, “I can’t even walk without You holding my hand.” I want to be wise and calculate my steps.

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Devotions

Acceptance

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“And when these days are expired, it shall be, that upon the eight day, and so forward, the priests shall make your burnt offerings upon the altar, and your peace offerings, and I will accept you, saith the Lord God.” (Ezekiel 43:27 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

Acceptance is one thing we all crave. Young people want to be accepted by their peers and will do almost anything to receive their approval. However, to be accepted by God is the ultimate acceptance we should all strive for. Burnt offerings were something that God required in the Old Testament. Jesus Christ was the ultimate sacrifice and we no longer sacrifice animals; we bring ourselves to Him and offer a sacrifice of praise. Have you been to an altar and willingly given yourself to God? That’s what He’s looking for. Then and only then can we know what true acceptance is.

Prayer: Lord, today I give all myself to You. I offer a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving for Your glory and honor. I desire to be accepted by my peers but have a greater desire to be accepted by You. Amen!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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A Savior’s Birth Announcement

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“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11 Holy Bible New King James Version).

No baby announcements proclaiming “It’s a boy!” No special messengers sent to family to say that mother and son are doing well. Lowly shepherds watching flocks were the first to receive news of a Savior in a Bethlehem manager, a very unusual place for a king.

Prayer: Mighty God, You could have trumpeted word of this holy birth from heaven or delivered the announcement elegantly to royalty on earth. Instead You chose common people to be the first to know that the promised Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born. Thank You that after all these years You are still appearing to common people like me. Amen.

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Devotions

A Gift of Love

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“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manager; because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7 Holy Bible King James Version).

No glitter or tinsel, no brightly wrapped gifts or holiday cookies greeted Jesus. Absent of a warm baby blanket, Jesus was wrapped in cloth strips and laid in a manger. The original Christmas in a cold stable was simple with no celebration, yet no other day will impact all humanity as did that first Christmas when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, during this time of Christmas celebration I will remember how You were born so long ago in a humble setting. I won’t be concerned about the grandeur of my holiday decorations or the quantity and value of gifts I might receive. I will focus on being thankful that Your humble birth – a gift of love to me – is the greatest gift I will ever receive. Amen.

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The Pure Life

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“And the angel answered and said unto her, “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee. Therefore also that Holy Being who shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35 Holy Bible 21st Century King James Version).

When the angel announced to Mary that she would have a child, she asked “How can this be?” Engaged to Joseph, chosen to be his bride, her life was pure as she prepared for the day they would finalize their marriage. The angel assured her that conception would be from the Holy Spirit. Her child would have no earthly father. He would be the Son of God.

Prayer: Dear God, the ancient prophecy of a child being born to a virgin was confirmed when the angel told Mary she had been chosen. Her purity prepared her to give birth to the Savior of the world. I too want to live a holy lifestyle so Your promises can be fulfilled in me. Amen.

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God’s Promises are Certain

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“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2 Holy Bible, King James Version).

A modern day expectant mother carefully selects the best and most convenient hospital or alternate facility for the birth of her child. Mary, the mother of Jesus was given no choice in her child’s birthplace. Her holy child would be born in Bethlehem far away from Nazareth, Joseph’s home, as prophesied. This single event would shine a spotlight on an obscure village for the whole world to see.

Prayer: Eternal God, tiny Bethlehem was destined to be the birthplace of Jesus. Nothing could change that because Your prophecies and promises are certain. This gives me great faith. You have known my future from the beginning and You are in control of events in my life, too. Amen.

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Devotions

What a Promise!

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“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 Holy Bible, King James Version).

Isaiah was inspired to speak these names of the promised redeemer. This son captured the essence of Wonderful, Counsellor and Prince of Peace. Ultimately the world would recognize that this holy child was The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father. What a promise!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am so thankful for the Old Testament prophet Isaiah who delivered the message You gave him. His words inspired hope for all who believed. Because of this prophecy, I can believe with the ancients that the Holy One has brought meaning to my life because He was God on earth. Thank You that You cared for me before I was born. Amen.

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Devotions

A Different Birth

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“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14 Holy Bible King James Version)

“Ridiculous,” some scoffed. “Impossible,” others said. How could a pure Jewish maiden, a virgin, birth a son called Immanuel? Wasn’t stoning was the punishment for immoral acts? This birth would be different. No immorality or sin would be involved. There would be no stoning; no punishment. This holy child, destined to be God with us, would condescend from heaven to earth, to reconcile the world to Himself.

Prayer: Dear God, I don’t know how strong my faith would have been in Isaiah’s time. This special sign, a holy child born to a virgin, seemed impossible, beyond human reasoning. Reading this from Your Word now, millenniums later, I see Your plan for my redemption from sin. Thank you for the faithful ones who could not see but believed and claimed your promise. Amen.

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